Picking up the Mantle

Scripture Thought for the Week: And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses. Deuteronomy 34: 5, 9
Seemingly in the blink of an eye Joshua was passed the mantle of responsibility for the entire nation of Israel. When Moses eyes closed in death, Joshua was immediately thrust into a leadership role for which he had been training for more than forty years. All previous lessons taught by Moses ceased, his voice no longer audibly heard and reliance on the guiding hand of God would carry Joshua forth to do the work God had outlined specifically for him. The book of Joshua begins with assurances from the Lord as Joshua begins this new role as modeled by his predecessor, Moses. As the people of Israel go forth to cross over the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land of Canaan, Joshua was reminded God was firmly accompanying them every step of the way. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. And then God repeatedly tells his new leader, Be strong and courageous. These four words were so important for Joshua to hear that God repeated them throughout the first chapter of Joshua. The task of filling the shoes of a mighty man or woman of faith is daunting. The mantle that must shift from experienced shoulders to one who has not withstood the pressures and faith building tasks that maturity brings is overwhelming. Yet, God is faithful to equip those inexperienced shoulders to broaden and strengthen as time evolves. Be strong and courageous the Lord repeats. Why? 1.

Because God keeps His promises and He is faithful. As scripture notes in verse
6 of Chapter 1 of Joshua, Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.

2. It takes strength and courage to stand up under societal pressure. Do not turn from it (the law) my servant Moses gave you, that you may be successful wherever you go. God will grant us success as we follow His commands. 3. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. With strength and courage we will be able to

discern the Word of the Lord, the Book of the Law. Daily reading will
encourage continual meditation which will lead to prosperity. 4. It takes courage and strength not to be terrified and discouraged and stay the

course marked out by God. Remember that the Lord your God will be with you
wherever you go. When a predecessor no longer can be consulted, it is often a trying time in the life of those left behind to carry on. But with Gods help and the trust and obedience to the teachings we have been given beforehand, the job at hand can be done and accomplished as God designs. May we be able to say as the nation of Israel commented to Joshua, Whatever you have commanded us will do and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses. Only be strong and courageous!

Father, thank you for those who have modeled before us faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. May we always be prepared to carry on in their absence until we meet again at heavens gate. Infuse us with strength and courage to work until the day the done. In Jesus name, Amen.